Gun Violence

Virginia's Arms Race

12.20.12 4:00 PM ET

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli II signaled Wednesday that he was open to letting trained teachers carry guns in schools, while Democratic rival Terry McAuliffe called for an armed officer at every elementary campus that wants one.

Their comments followed a rampage through a Connecticut school, where a gunman killed 20 first-graders and six staff members before taking his own life.

They also came a day after Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) remarked in a radio interview that Virginia should consider arming teachers, principals and other school staff to protect children from such attacks — an idea some local education leaders sharply criticized Wednesday.